Washington Football 2013 Spring Wrap Up

Spring summary 

Three big question marks for Washington heading into spring football were the starting quarterback spot, the new offense being instituted, and injuries from last year rolling over. In a nutshell: Keith Price will start, the offense looked good, and a number of players are still recovering from injuries suffered recently or last season.

Price played well enough to shake off memories of his questionable last season, and the new uptempo no-huddle offense suits him and Washington’s personnel. DE Hau’olia Jamora, LB Travis Feeney, DT Lawrence Lagafuaina, DE Pio Vatuvei, RB Jesse Callier, OT Colin Tanigawa, and RB Deontae Cooper sat out with varying injuries.

These were three of the questions Husky Nation had heading into the spring game.

Potential breakout players

Three potential breakout players to watch are DT Connor Cree, WR DiAndre Campbell, and TE Josh Perkins.

Connor Cree is a redshirt sophomore who looked quick and strong in the interior defense. Look for him to see solid playing time.

Wide receiver DiAndre Campbell played sparsely last year, but has zoomed past James Johnson, Kevin Smith, Antavius Sims, and others on the depth chart to emerge as a surprise playmaker. He could start opposite Kasen Williams and flashed great hands and quickness.

Tight end Josh Perkins came out of nowhere to play a solid spring game. A converted receiver who is undersize at 6’3’’ 216, Perkins could see time with Austin Seferian-Jenkins’s status up in the air.

Position by position breakdown and grades

UW QB Keith Price (Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE)

Quarterback: B+

Embattled quarterback Keith Price silenced the critics with solid play during the spring, completing passes and looking at home in Washington’s new offense, which suits his skill set better. Cyler Miles outplayed Troy Williams and Jeff Lindquist to unofficially grab the second spot.

Running Back: A

Star tailback and presumptive starter Bishop Sankey sat things out as not to risk injury, but coming off being ranked the third best running back in the Pac-12, he doesn’t need to prove anything. A pleasant preseason surprise at the position was the solid play of RS freshman and converted wide receiver Dwayne Washington, who emerged as a solid backup.

Wide Receiver: A-

Kasen Williams leads a much deeper unit this season. Returners Jaydon Mickens and DiAndre Campbell were playing with the first team and earning their spots. The addition of several high-profile recruits at the position will strengthen this position group even more.

Tight End: Incomplete

This position would be an A+ if the best tight end in the country, Austin Seferian-Jenkins, was returning without any hiccups. But an unfortunate DUI has him currently suspended and his playing status for the first few games of the season in question. A lock first round pick if he puts up the same kind of numbers he did last season, the 6’6 266 pounder is a freak athlete who stands to be one of the keys to Washington’s season. He just needs to keep his head on straight. NFL teams will be watching him like a hawk for off-field issues, so he has a lot to gain or lose this season.

Offensive Line: B

Graduation and injuries have depleted the Huskies here the last few years, but finally, the team looks to put together an experienced and healthy line. For now, projected starters are Micah Hatchie at left tackle, Dexter Charles at left guard, Mike Criste at center, James Atoe at right guard, and Ben Riva at right tackle.

Erik Kohler and Colin Tanigawa both started last year before being sidelined with injuries, and will look to compete for their old spots.  Cautious optimism should be employed with this unit, given its porous status last season.

Defensive Line: B

An iffy unit for the team last season looked much improved and played solid red-zone defense. Staying healthy and putting pressure on the passer hopefully won’t be too much to ask this season.

Linebackers: B

Solid without being exceptional. Shaq Thompson and Travis Feeney are a dynamic young duo leading the linebacking corps. Thompson was exceptional as a true freshman last season, making big plays all over the field.

Cornerbacks: C

A unit in some flux. Losing a first round lockdown corner in Desmond Trufant will hurt this unit. Marcus Peters and Tre Watson both saw time opposite him, but neither wowed. Senior Gregory Ducre played well in the spring, but has minimal experience.

The versatile and athletic Shaq Thompson could see time here, but the Huskies might need him elsewhere. This unit is a worry for the team until proven otherwise.

Safeties: B+

Sean Parker and Will Shamburger are coming off solid seasons last year and will provide the last line of defense for what looks to be a solid unit. Some comments from Steve Sarkisian have indicated however, that the starting spots may still be up for grabs, with Trevor Walker, Brandon Beaver, and Taz Stevenson lurking.

Special Teams- B+

The special teams look solid without being particularly exceptional in any real way. Travis Coons and incoming freshman Cameron Van Winkle combined to go five for six for field goals.

Any 2013 surprises?

This team could shock people. Last season, Washington pulled off some shocking upsets despite injury-depleted and inexperienced offensive and defensive lines, minimal offensive options, and a new defensive coordinator. Back deeper and (hopefully) healthier, this team looks to have less holes and has shored up many of the biggest weakness from last season.

The new offense, along with more targets at wide receiver for Price, has the potential to be lethal. Don’t sleep on the Huskies.

Chris Hall of NW Sports Beat provided the information for our Washington Football 2013 Spring Wrap Up. For more UW  football information, commentary and analysis, you can follow Chris on Twitter @CLHall33.